Nigeria’s CcHub Acquires Kenya’s iHub To Create Mega Africa Incubator

Written by Ann Brown

Oct 13, 2019

Nigerias innovation center and seed-fund CcHub has acquired Nairobi based iHub, Nigeria’s CcHub CEO Bosun Tijani confirmed to TechCrunch. Two of Africa’s powerhouse tech incubators will join forces.

The purchase amount is undisclosed, but Tijani said CcHub will finance the deal out of its real-estate project to build a new 10-story innovation center to replace its Herbert Macaulay Way building in Lagos.

Details are emerging on how the two entities will operate together, but Tijani noted some degree of autonomy.

Story from TechCrunch. Story by Jake Bright.

“The names will stay the same…iHub will remain iHub…it is a strong brand…but iHub will be supported from the central CcHub, which will help them strengthen what they do,” he said.

Per the acquisition, Tijani becomes CEO of both organizations, while Nekesa as iHub managing director. And iHub’s existing programs , according to Tijani, but Nigeria’s CcHub will extend to Kenya some of activities in education, healthcare governance.

Nigeria’s CcHub will also use the iHub to expand its investment scope. “ have access to in Nigeria, Kenya Rwanda,” he said.

Tijani views the arrangement as a boost to the continent’s tech ecosystem. “It strengthens our ability to support innovation. iHub and CcHub…coming together us stronger; it gives us a chance to attract greater resources and talent,” he said.

The acquisition joins two of most recognized tech hubs. These innovation spaces, accelerators incubators — which tally 618 per GSMA stats — have become focal points for startup formation, training and IT activity on the continent.

There aren’t official rankings for Africa’s most powerful tech hubs, but if there were, CcHub and iHub would arguably be up top. This would be based on the size of their membership networks, volume of tech-related programs, startups incubated, partnerships and global visibility.